Abstract. Using tight-binding as well as classical molecular dynamics we simulate the formation of single-wall carbon nanotube T-, Y- and X-junctions via the fusing of two nanotubes. We propose energetically efficient pathways for this process in which all atoms maintain their sp² arrangements throughout. Recent experimental advances have greatly increased the plausibility of synthesizing multiterminal junctions as proposed in the simulations. We further report I–V characteristics of one of the junctions thus formed.

Received 23 June 2003
Published 30 September 2003